Washington, D.C., 28 January 2022 (TDI): On Wednesday, US Secretary Blinken participated in a joint dialogue with Kuwait Foreign Minister. They both met up to conclude the fifth U.S.-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue on January 26th.
U.S.-Kuwait Dialogue: First Stage
Along these lines, Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Kuwaiti Minister discussed different topics of mutual interest. They also expressed their thoughts regarding their countries’ 61 years of strong, unwavering relations.
In this regard, at the beginning of the dialogue, Blinken and Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed reaffirmed their commitment to promote security in the region. For this reason, they pointed out advancing mutual interests to reach a high level of stability in the Arab World.
In that way, US Secretary Blinken alongside Ahmed Nasser agreed on developing joint projects within a range of topics. These include defense and cybersecurity, bilateral trade and investment, combatting health and climate change challenges, among others.
In addition to that, the US Secretary of State and Kuwait Foreign Minister reflected on the enduring strength of their brotherly relations. After 61 years of cooperation and understanding, they also recognized the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait through Operation Desert Storm in 2021.
Dialogue Agenda: 2nd Stage
On the other hand, as part of the Dialogue Agenda, both parties shared their global and regional priorities. Especially considering Kuwait’s presidency the Council of the League of Arab States (GGC) at the Ministerial level.
Likewise, Kuwait Minister pointed to the global funding and development cooperation with Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. Therefore, US Secretary Blinken and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister stressed the relevance of the USAID and the Kuwait Fund concerning advanced technical discussions. Particularly, to support Yemen’s economic recovery.
Security Issues in the region
Furthermore, Kuwaiti Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed and the US Secretary of State highlighted the importance of a stable Iraq. This is because the parties seek to prevent the country to get foreign malign influence. Mainly voicing support to Iraq for further and better progress in resolving maritime boundary issues.
Similarly, they claimed as mandatory the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015). This is oriented to end the Syrian conflict by applying an inclusive political process.
Moreover, US Secretary Blinken and Kuwait Minister reiterated their commitment to the permanent defeat of ISIS. They both, as key partners of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, look forward to standing together to face the stability challenges in the region.
In this regard, Blinken thanked Kuwait Minister for working as a close ally to reduce Iran’s influence in the region, as well as to support US citizens to relocate from Afghanistan to Kuwait. In addition to that, they reiterated their support for Yemen and the need to bring peace to the country.
U.S.-Kuwait Important Remarks
On the other side, US Secretary Blinken discussed with Kuwait Foreign Minister about enforcing their bilateral defense relations. For instance, as Kuwait did by hosting US forces.
In that way, both States persuade a safe region with modernized military forces that allow Arab countries to front onto concerning threats. Not to mention, the technical cooperation in modernization, sustainability, training, exercises, and operations.
In brief, they mutually agreed on strengthening their cooperation ties in counter-terrorism. Particularly, as Blinked mentioned, terrorism financing is a matter of greatest importance for both countries.
Therefore, Antony J. Blinken expressed his gratitude to Kuwait for its uninterrupted commitment to anti-money laundering and counterterrorism. This by working hand to hand with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center.
Finally, US Secretary Blinken and Kuwait Foreign Minister pointed out their commitment to enhancing their bilateral relations in all areas of practical benefit. Not to mention to keep working in infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, welfare, among others. Especially to commit to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) by achieving food security and better implementation of the Paris Agreement.
